McLean’s company was responsible for booking many live music acts, including the Live at the Guthrie Series, the Minnesota Zoo concerts and the Basilica Block Party. She also had a talent for discovering up-and-comers.

Her death comes as a surprise to many in the music community. Sue kept details of her illness quiet from most people outside of her family.

She brought in her niece, Patricia McLean, to learn how to run her company a few months ago.

“There’s no way I could fill her shoes or attempt to fill her shoes and be anything near what she was in the industry, but I’ll do my best to continue on,” McLean said.

Valerie Jones, a close friend of McLean’s, says she was a true original.

“Sue McLean was a trail blazer and she set the bar high for anyone who wanted to follow in her footsteps,” Jones said.

Her family says she’ll be remembered for her humility and generosity. McLean was also a big donor to area animal shelters.

Her funeral is set to be held at 11 a.m. next Friday at the Basilica of St. Mary.